They’re all waiting for me to do something, and here I am, rendered helpless. As the sounds of sirens begin to build in the distance, my consciousness flickers, waning. I hold onto her image, a beacon in the encroaching dark. “Verena,” I whisper. Then, nothing but darkness. *** Consciousness cr
Verena I listen to Niklaus’s voicemail again, my frown deepening with each word. Something serious has happened back home, and the worry in his voice is unmistakable. I press the phone to my chest for a moment, taking a deep breath, trying to push away the anxiety that claws at me. It doesn’t compl
“Yeah, it really does,” I agree, feeling relieved at the shift. “I love how every shop and café has its own personality. It’s like stepping into different little worlds all on the same street.” He nods enthusiastically. “Exactly! I come here whenever I need a break from the usual corporate environm
Verena The sunlight streams into the sunroom, casting warm, dancing patterns on the floor as Kris and I work through another complex spell. My concentration is deep, the flow of magical energy steady between my hands, when the door suddenly bursts open. The disruption sends the delicate balance o
“And look what happened; hundreds dead,” Laz says, looking haunted. “It’s not your fault, Laz,” I reply, though part of me wants to scream, to blame someone, anyone, for this nightmare. “Let’s just focus on finding him.” As Axton makes call after call, his voice a low murmur in the background, Kr
I nod, grateful for their efforts but anxious for action. “Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?” “You could rest,” Axton suggests gently. “Keeping yourself healthy and alert is important, especially if we need to make quick decisions.” “But sitting here, waiting—it’s eating me up,” I confe
Niklaus I wake abruptly, gasping as ice-cold water splashes against my face, shockwaves of pain rippling through my body. My vision swims for a few heartbeats, then steadies, and the world snaps into sharp, unwanted focus. My muscles tense, my jaws clench, but the silver manacles bite into my ski
The cold seeps into my bones, the ache in my wrists a constant companion as I plan, wait, and hope. *** Verena I wake up in the middle of the night, my heart pounding as if trying to escape my chest. I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong, a sense of urgency gnawing at me. Without thi